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Stansted Airport has been named ‘world’s best low-cost airport’ at the 2011 World Airports Awards in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

The UK’s third busiest airport scooped the best in category prize in the annual Skytrax airport customer survey, based on the feedback of 11.38 million passengers, across 100 different nationalities and covering 240 airports worldwide.  

Welcoming the award, Nick Barton, Stansted’s Managing Director, said:

 “I’m absolutely delighted Stansted has been named as the best low-cost airport in the world, especially as the award is decided by those who matter the most - the passenger.

“Stansted is firmly established as a world leader at serving the low-cost airline sector that has transformed air travel. We have a route network that stretches to around 150 destinations with Stansted now offering more direct scheduled European flights than any other airport in the world. 

“We are extremely proud Stansted is home to airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, germanwings and airberlin, plus AirAsia X, one of the new breed of long-haul, low-cost airlines. These are some of the most profitable and innovative airlines in the world, operating modern and efficient aircraft fleets, and who continue to grow and open new markets.  It’s thanks to the help and support of our excellent airline partners that we have gained this global honour and recognition. 

“The airport has just celebrated the 20th anniversary of HM The Queen opening our iconic terminal building in 1991. This award is a fitting tribute to the world class airport infrastructure developed by Lord Foster that has been brilliantly complimented by the modern efficiencies and technological improvements achieved by the low-cost airline sector.”

Low cost airline bmibaby will touched down for the first time at London Stansted this week (28 March 2011), marking the launch of a new direct connection to George Best Belfast City Airport. 

bmibaby, part of the bmi group, will operate up to 16 flights a week from Stansted to Belfast City Airport.  With up to three flights a day and fares as low as £19.99 one way the route will prove extremely popular with both business and leisure travellers. 

Home to visitor attractions such as Titanic’s Dock & Pumphouse and world class venues like Waterfront Hall, Belfast is fast becoming a must-visit city for the discerning traveller.    

The new route boosts Stansted’s flight capacity to Northern Ireland and also provides inbound business passengers with increased access to the City of London, Canary Wharf, as well as high-tech industries around Cambridge and direct access to the East of England.

 “I’m delighted to welcome bmibaby as the airline launches its first services from Stansted,” said Stansted Airport’s managing director, Nick Barton. 

“bmibaby will operate up to 32 services a week to and from Stansted so this is not only exciting news for leisure travellers, keen to explore Belfast City’s highlights, but I’m sure the route will be very popular with business travellers reliant on direct flight connections to and from Belfast. 

“With tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games having recently gone on sale, and Stansted well positioned as the closest major airport to the Olympic Village, these new flights will also be welcome news for visitors from Northern Ireland seeking convenient access to the games.” 

Julian Carr, managing director, bmibaby, said: “Today is the start of our new service from London Stansted to Belfast City Airport. We are the only low cost carrier to operate this route and provide convenient flight times and a high frequency service to the heart of Belfast. 

"We are a low cost airline that offers a high quality service with low fares to great European destinations. As this is our first route from Stansted we look forward to welcoming people from the region on board our airline." 

• Flights operate three times a day Monday to Friday, once on Sunday
• Fares from £19.99 one way including all taxes
• Free allocated seating at check in and generous 22kg checked in luggage allowance
• Customers can also register for bmi Diamond Club – the UK’s most generous frequent flyer programme

 For further information and flight reservations visit www.bmibaby.com

Premium hospitality specialist, No.1 Traveller has been awarded most innovative travel service at this year’s Business Travel and Meetings Show, as voted for by the public.

No.1 Traveller, which offers smart chauffeur-driven airport transfers and award-winning airport lounges at Gatwick and Stansted, went head-to-head with other travel service operators to win the accolade, which was announced at the event yesterday.

Commenting on the announcement, Phil Cameron, Founder and CEO of No.1 Traveller, said: “We are delighted to receive an award for most innovative travel service at one of Europe’s leading events for the business travel and meetings industry. Our Driveway to Runway service offers passengers a seamless pre-flight travel experience, no matter what airline or ticket they are flying with, and being recognised for innovation is a terrific endorsement of our unique offering.

”No.1 Stansted operate two lounge facilities for passengers travelling on international flights from London Stansted Airport.  Both lounges are open from 0400hrs – 2100hrs, cost is just £15 per person for up to three hours access. 

For more information visit the website at www.No1Traveller.com  or call 08442 64 64 40.